August 25, 2026
Tzu Chi concludes 2026 Food Bazaar with overflowing gratitude and impact
By Nicole Fetalcorin
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines marked the successful conclusion of its two-day 2026 Food Bazaar held on August 22 and 23, bringing together thousands of visitors at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, in a shared commitment to sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and compassion.
In the days leading up to August 22, the campus grounds faced heavy rain and continuous gloomy skies. Clad in yellow raincoats and boots, dedicated Tzu Chi staffers braved strong winds and downpours to set up tents across the grounds, putting in immense effort to ensure every structure was safe and sturdy for arriving guests. Their hard work was rewarded when the skies cleared just two days before opening, giving way to bright sunshine that set a festive mood for the entire community.
Throughout the weekend, a vibrant crowd of families, friends, and first-time guests streamed through the campus to explore more than 46 stalls spanning Unity Hall, Harmony Hall, and the Plaza. Inside Unity Hall, attendees browsed a wide array of budget-friendly vegetarian goods and eco-friendly merchandise. For Tzu Chi University-bound students Joelle Vannah Bugas and Alexa Rhian Sia, attending the event offered an enriching cultural experience while introducing them to diverse plant-based lifestyle products.
Outside in the Plaza, more than 20 food stalls served an assortment of freshly prepared vegetarian dishes. A group of visitors from Makati expressed their delight during their visit, sharing that it was their first time attending the bazaar and noting how much they enjoyed shopping for a good cause.
A short walk away in Harmony Hall, shoppers browsed gently used, branded pre-loved items offered at rock-bottom prices. Dr. Katrina Lazo, a dentist with the Tzu Chi International Medical Center who attended the bazaar looking for luggage, praised the foundation's local impact and expressed hope that its humanitarian reach will continue expanding across the Philippines.
Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Woon Ng, who spent days arranging the eco-friendly merchandise before the event, extended her warmest gratitude to all who participated over the weekend. She reminded visitors who missed out that another opportunity lies ahead with the upcoming Fiesta Verde in November, which will feature a similar variety of plant-based foods and eco-friendly finds.
The Tzu Chi family concluded the weekend with deep appreciation for all donors, attendees, stallholders, and volunteers whose contributions directly support the foundation’s ongoing initiatives in charitable assistance, education, medical care, and environmental protection.
Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.
Metrobank Account No.: 163-3-16307190-9
BDO Account No.: 011-9-7800180-0
DSWD Solicitation Permit No.: DSWD-SB-PSP-S-2026-000130
Striking the gong with grace and purpose, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez officially kicks off the two-day food bazaar, marking the start of a joyous and impactful weekend for a good cause.
Tzu Chi volunteers and scholars line up outside the Plaza to listen as Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez officially opens the ceremony with a message of hope.
Visitors and shoppers happily indulge in a vibrant array of delicious vegetarian dishes, bringing flavorful life to the event.
Engaged in warm conversation, Tzu Chi staffers share a friendly moment with volunteers as they showcase their bestselling rice porridge.
Serving up smiles and flavor, volunteer vendors happily dish out their crowd-pleasing signature style of fried rice and fried mushrooms.
Bringing a taste of his Indonesian roots, volunteer vendor David Weng happily shares his signature laksa dish—which quickly became a crowd favorite and sold out among Filipino attendees.
Going above and beyond: Tzu Chi scholars tirelessly roamed the Plaza, Harmony Hall, and Unity Hall on Day One, inviting guests to make a donation, and presenting handcrafted fuzzy wire flowers to generous donors as tokens of deep appreciation.
Bringing youthful energy and enthusiasm, Tzu Chi Youth members pause for a snapshot while inviting bazaar-goers to support their stall.
Warm, nourishing, and made with love: Freshly prepared bowls of vegetarian soup are lined up and ready for hungry bazaar-goers.
Freshly steamed vegetarian buns draw in bazaar-goers with their savory, fragrant fillings.
Offering variety and flavor, another tasty variation of crispy fried mushrooms is showcased for visitors to enjoy during the two-day event.
All smiles behind the counter, volunteer vendors pause for a quick photo together while serving up delicious treats for a good cause.
All smiles behind the counter, volunteer vendors pause for a quick photo together while serving up delicious treats for a good cause.
Filled with warmth and excitement, Harmony Hall welcomes shoppers as they joyfully choose items to take home.
Filled with warmth and excitement, Harmony Hall welcomes shoppers as they joyfully choose items to take home.
Expressing her heartfelt thanks: Volunteer Shi Yun Ping shares her deep gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the 2026 Food Bazaar.
Supporting sustainable choices, volunteers enjoy trying out organic products on display during the event.
More visitors packed the Harmony Hall eager to explore a wide variety of offerings at the bazaar.
More visitors packed the Harmony Hall eager to explore a wide variety of offerings at the bazaar.
More visitors packed the Harmony Hall eager to explore a wide variety of offerings at the bazaar.
A heartwarming moment of generosity as a young exhibitor steps forward to drop a contribution into Tzu Chi scholars' donation box.
Farm-fresh goodness for all, high-quality imported and organic vegetables were available at discounted prices throughout the charity bazaar.
Snacking made good, bazaar-goers can browse through a colorful assortment of flavorful, plant-based treats.
A variety of fresh seasonal fruits was also available for shoppers to enjoy.
Delightful scents on a budget, high-quality perfumes were available at discounted prices throughout the bazaar.
Just a few steps from the Plaza and Harmony Hall, attendees filled the Unity Hall to shop for even more items.
Carefully setting up the display, volunteers organize a colorful assortment of herbal products and plant-based snacks for visitors to explore.
A wide selection of branded, pre-loved clothes for children, women, and men is available at pocket-friendly prices.
With dedicated service during the two-day event, Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng thoughtfully prepares and organizes the scarf display.
Sharing a heartwarming moment, a mother and daughter bond over selecting the perfect jackets together.
Delighted by her affordable find, volunteer dentist Dr. Katrina Lazo (second from right) enjoys her shopping experience, knowing the proceeds directly benefit Tzu Chi’s charitable programs.
Adding warmth to the event, the delightful fragrance of freshly made coffee wafts gently from the coffee station.
Capturing a memorable moment, Tzu Chi volunteers pose gracefully for a group photo as the 2026 Tzu Chi Food Bazaar comes to a close.